Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2011
522 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when she plans to hold a referendum on the substantive issue relating to the rights of the child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31012/11]
View answerThe Programme for Government 2011 states that the Referendum on Children's Rights is a priority, and that the wording of the proposed referendum will be along the lines of that proposed by the All-Party Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children.
Since taking office, both myself and staff of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs have had a number of meetings with the Attorney General to progress this commitment. Work on the wording of the referendum is ongoing, focusing on ensuring that the proposed Referendum reflects the deliberations and conclusions of the Joint Committee and the commitment of the Programme for Government. It is my intention to seek approval from Government for the proposed wording, with a view to holding the referendum next year.
